Fianna F谩il-Fine Gael coalition plan moves forward

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Leo Varadkar leads Fine Gael while M铆che谩l Martin is the head of Fianna F谩il

Fine Gael and Fianna F谩il's parliamentary parties have approved an outline framework on a new Irish government.

Both parties held meetings about the 24-page plan on Wednesday evening.

Some concerns were raised at both meetings over funding and the future identities of each party, but both backed the document, RT脡 reported.

On Tuesday, party leaders Leo Varadkar and M铆che谩l Martin formally signed off the plan for a coalition government.

Economic recovery in the wake of the coronavirus crisis leads the joint policy document.

It is the first time the two parties that have roots in the Irish Civil War have reached an accord to share power in government.

The joint policy document aims to give the state a greater role in the areas of health, childcare and the building of homes.

'United Ireland planning'

It also includes a commitment to set up a unit 鈥渢o work towards a consensus on a united island鈥.

The document states that the coalition government is 鈥渃ommitted to working with all traditions on the island, to build consensus around a shared future".

"This consensus will be underpinned by the terms and institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and by absolute respect for the principle of consent enshrined therein."

They also want to ensure mechanisms are put in place to deal with the legacy of the Troubles as outlined in the Stormont House Agreement.

Investment in the Ulster Canal, the A5 road and Narrow Water Bridge is also included, as is the possibility of high speed cross-border rail links.

The document is being given to smaller parties in a bid to convince them to join a Fine Gael-Fianna F谩il coalition government.

Fianna F谩il was the largest party in terms of seats following the general election in February, but it and Sinn F茅in now have the same number of seats after a Fianna F谩il TD was elected speaker.

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Sinn F茅in won the most first preference votes

Sinn F茅in won the most first preference votes, with Fine Gael the third-biggest party.

Negotiations have been ongoing since the election.

Both Fine Gael and Fianna F谩il refused to govern with Sinn F茅in.